PREMONITIONS OF WAR - LEFT IN KOWLOON

So, I toss Left In Kowloon into my stereo and hit "play". Two seconds later, I’m pummeled by the relentless onslaught of Toledo, Ohio’s Premonitions Of War. Musically, I would classify it closer to death metal than hardcore, which I haven’t been into for a long time. But when it comes right down to it, these guys can play.
I’m really impressed with the complex musical arrangements and layered noisescapes they have created. The slower parts of the album are reminiscent of some of the stuff Corrosion Of Conformity was doing in the early '90s. There are some cool little guitar things that remind me of Strapping Young Lad's later work, and, in spots, it feels like James Murphy-era Testament.
The drummer is a damn machine! With some of the complex runs he is doing, I’d be willing to bet he’s sporting an extra pair of arms. The lead vocalist was the only thing that kept this from being an amazing album. For this style of music, he is alright, I guess. But I have a hard time taking a person who reminds me of a pissed-off Cookie Monster seriously.
There isn’t a weak song on the entire album. My favorite would have to be "Cables Hum Overhead". With its thundering, industrial machinery, it would be the perfect soundtrack to a David Lynch-inspired nightmare.